Key Points:
- The Studio Parlor room at Vdara is unique in that it offers a kitchenette, dining space, and a semi-separate living area.
- Aside from minor cleanliness issues, I was impressed with the room and intend to stay at Vdara again.
- Although Vdara doesn’t have a casino, Bellagio, Aria, and The Cosmopolitan are all within walking distance.
As an avid gambler, I avoided staying at Vdara for far too long because of the absence of a casino. Essentially, I need my vices catered to, and I figured Vdara would be lame.
My fears were unfounded.
Vdara is a 3-minute indoor walk away from Cosmopolitan and Bellagio, and a short outdoor walk from Aria.
Furthering my newfound interest in Vdara is that their suites are among the few on the Strip with a kitchenette.
I booked their Studio Parlor room specifically, rather than their standard Studio, because the upgraded room has a partition that separates the bed from the living area. A unique touch.
The room cost me just under $150 after fees for a midweek stay, which is about as cheap as you can get into one without a loyalty relationship.
I think you’ll agree that it’s a STEAL for that price.
Vdara Check-In Experience
Seamless. Seriously.
MGM Resorts allows you to check in via their phone app, which also serves as your room key, meaning you can skip the lobby altogether.
I almost always get into my room early, even though I didn’t pay for it. On this occasion, I received a notification that my room was ready just after noon, and up I headed.
Vdara Studio Parlor Review
My room was on the 6th floor of the resort, with an unimpressive view of Bellagio’s back end, part of the High Roller, and the free tram station that ferries guests between properties.
I always like to evaluate a hotel’s common areas prior to getting into my room, as their condition is often reflective of what you’ll find inside.
Studio Parlor Kitchenette
The kitchenette is the first thing you encounter when stepping into the room, and it includes a microwave, mini-bar fridge, empty fridge, stovetop, and sink with a built-in garbage disposal.
A kitchen like this is a rare amenity in Las Vegas and an awesome perk if you want to cook or even heat up leftovers in your room.
Also in the kitchen area is a small dining room table with a couple of chairs.
Oddly, kitchenware isn’t provided unless requested.
The Living Area
Once you walk through the kitchenette, you’re in the living area, which is separated from the bedroom by a wooden partition with TV’s mounted on both sides (one facing the living room, one facing the bedroom). To the side of the partition is a work desk.
The living area has a couch (with a pull-out bed!), chair, and coffee table facing a TV.
The Bedroom
On the other side of the partition was another flat-screen TV facing the king bed that was flanked by mirrors and decorative light fixtures.
I’m no bed aficionado but can tell you I slept great. Very comfortable experience.
Uniquely, there were adjustable reading lights on both sides of the bed for those who like to dig into a good novel while in Vegas. I think you’re crazy, but to each their own :).
I was initially concerned about noise as my room was directly across the hallway from the elevators, but I never heard a thing. No elevator dings, no conversations, no slamming doors, nothing.
Admittedly, however, that may have had more to do with low occupancy on a Monday night than actual noise insulation.
A bedside tablet stood at the ready to provide resort information or take your room service order, but room controls weren’t integrated (lights, drapes, TV, etc.) which was kind of a bummer.
Another nice touch, robes and 2 sets of slippers were provided in the closet. I also appreciated that bedding was provided for the pull-out couch if needed.
Unlike other luxury hotels in Vegas, I loved how these were branded. Makes for a cool souvenir. My kids loved them.
The Bathroom
In the Parlor Suite’s bathroom was a single-sink vanity equipped with a personal magnified mirror, a deep-soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower.
Not offering dual sinks feels like a bit of a miss, but I was traveling solo, so whatever.
In the shower were personal hygiene products from VIVE.
What’s Not to Like?
While I was satisfied with the room experience overall, there were some minor deficiencies that I’d be remiss to ignore.
By no means would I deem this a “dirty room”, but it was pretty obvious that it’s not getting the attention it should.
While I personally couldn’t care less about the smudges, frays, and dust pictured below, I know room cleanliness can be a sticking point for many.
As Vdara is marketed as a higher-end property within the MGM portfolio, I think it’s fair to expect more.
Resort Experience
Honestly, the resort is pretty boring. No casino, a shortage of dining, but as mentioned, you’re steps away from a LOT.
Aria is a 3-minute outdoor walk from your room, and both Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan are a 3-minute indoor walk using the new skyway.
I counted all the restaurants across the 3 resorts, and you’ll have over 60 to choose from, including the popular Wicked Spoon Buffet at Cosmopolitan.
That’s not to say Vdara is a barren wasteland. There’s a Starbucks, a Market Cafe that sells grab & go food items like salads, wraps, and burgers, and the Vice Versa lounge, which has a cool look.
The Verdict on Vdara’s Studio Parlor
Trivial issues (for me at least) aside, I loved my experience at Vdara.
The lack of a casino is a non-issue.
Seriously, you have 3 casinos at your disposal, and they’re so close you can almost hear the machines dinging from Vdara. Additionally, the absence of cigarette smoke and crowds is a welcome relief.
The Studio Parlor differs from your typical Las Vegas suite, offering a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop.
The partition between the living area and bedroom gives the suite the feel of a separate bedroom, making it a good option for people who want to entertain a small group before heading out for the night.
While my particular room was a bit “smudged up”, the decor and overall vibe felt modern and upscale. Despite the minor cleanliness issues, I found the room well worth the cash outlay.
I can’t wait to return.
See Also: While you can check out all of my room reviews, here, below are some similar options:
Check out a more recent stay in a Studio Fountain View (same room, better view) on YouTube!
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Addie Lui
Monday 3rd of January 2022
Awesome review, also stayed there several years ago and agree with your assessment... Mahalo!